Top 5 Zanzibar Beaches

The archipelago of Zanzibar consists of 2 main islands: Unguja and Pemba. Unguja is by far the most populous and more famous of the islands, also commonly known just as Zanzibar Island. This list of Zanzibar beaches is from the main Zanzibar Island.

Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean, just 25 km off the coast of mainland Tanzania. It’s easy to either take a short plane ride or a ferry from the capital Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar.

The Northern tip of Zanzibar is special. Unlike the East and West coastlines, the top island location is blessed by not having to deal with high and low tides. This makes Nungwi a perfect place if you are looking to swim around the clock without have to walk far out to sea to chase the ocean.

Nungwi is known for it’s party atmosphere, yet it’s not to be compared with party beach destinations elsewhere in the world. There are a number of bars and clubs, but the entire atmosphere remains Zanzibari style, chilled out and low key.

Sunset at Kendwa

Kendwa

Adjascent to Nungwi, within walking distance, is Kendwa – probably my personal favorite beach on Zanzibar. It’s a little more laid back and a little less happening than Nungwi, which makes it a premiere place to lazy around.

The day’s are passed by relaxing on the beach, taking dips in the perfectly turquoise water and catching shade under a banda (small shade hut). When the sun begins to set, there’s always a friendly game of beach volleyball or football amongst whoever happens to be there at the time.

Paje Beach

Paje

One of the more popular Southeastern beach towns on Zanzibar is Paje. It’s a great place to visit if you enjoy swimming in the ocean but also interacting with other travelers. There’s a good selection of bungalows, small restaurants, and beach bars.

Paje is one of the better areas on the island to go if you are interested in learning how to SCUBA dive, or practicing other water sports like windsurfing or kite surfing.

Bwejuu, Zanzibar

Bwejuu

Just North of Paje, is the seaweed fishing village of Bwejuu. It’s not the most pleasant beach on the island in terms of swimming, but it has a truly unique form of natural beauty. If you are looking for a quiet beach town without even having to consider interacting with others, Bwejuu is a choice beach.

The thing I love most about Bewjuu is the swaying palm trees that are so lanky they look like they could snap off, but instead remain limber, dancing to the Zanzibari wind.

Kiwengwa

The Northeastern coast also has some of the best Zanzibar beaches. A few of the fanciest hotels on the island have claimed spots near Kiwengwa, where pure stretches of sand seem to go on forever.

Kiwengwa is a fantastic beach if you are looking to splurge a little and enjoy the exclusive peace of Zanzibar.

The entire island of Zanzibar is filled with natural beauty everywhere you look. No matter which beach you choose, you can be assured you’ll be surrounded by that laid back island attitude that is the spirit of Zanzibar.

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About Mark Wiens

Mark was raised in central Africa before migrating back to the US for University. After graduating, he decided to continue traveling the world. On Migrationology, he shares the cultural side of travel from a slow paced local perspective that often revolves around his love for eating all forms of food. Join him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @migrationology, and add him on Google Plus.

Hello Mark,
There is 8 of us coming to Zanzibar after the Kilimanjaro Expedition in September/October this year.
My guide has booked a hotel named casa del mar, which I don’t like at all!
I have been checking other hotels that would have a nice swimable beach, nice palm trees, scuba diving, and other activities.
Would you help us find a nicer hotel in the price range up to $300US?
Thank you!

Thanks Mark for taking your time to show to others places like Zanzibar.
Our family( and especially my wife and me) love to spend our holidays in Zanzibar. We have been going there for six consecutive years and have special memories of Blue Bay hotel where we stayed for the past 5 trips to Zanzibar. I am going (most probably soon to leave Africa) but I will always keep fond memories of Zanzibar. It is really a place to rest and enjoy warm waters and quite decent food.

Myself and a few friends having lunch at Nungwi———-which restaurant or bar were you and your friend seated in. can you recommend please as i want to seat on that same spot as i plan a trip to zanzibar, i mean the picture where the u and ur pal are on table 5

I would call this everything but not a well researched article….Zanzibar is never just 25 km of the mainland (when you talk about Unguja island which is the case here) and as someone mentioned here before, Dar Es Salaam is not the capital. Also, the archipelago of Zanzibar contains 4 main islands. I don’t like smart-assing but I like plain false information a lot less. Anyway, enjoy the beaches and try it with less beer for dinner (!) especially in a Muslim country my friend.